ADVANCING
DIVERSE ECOSYSTEMS
Tampa, FL - October 2025
Welcome to the
August 2025 Birmingham, AL
Diverse Ecosystem Roundtable!
Our fifth roundtable took place in Birmingham, AL, bringing together a dynamic group of industry leaders, innovators, and organizations committed to advancing supplier diversity in the Construction Industry. The discussion centered on identifying key challenges, sharing actionable strategies, and fostering collaboration to create lasting impact. Participants engaged in open dialogue, examined risks from multiple perspectives, and outlined concrete steps to drive meaningful progress in the industry.
Diversified Resilience
Lauren Schroeder from Brasfield & Gorrie opened the event with a warm welcome, emphasizing the true meaning of diversity and its vital role within our communities. She shared that each voice matters—clients, subcontractors, primes, and partners—and that together we can build a more inclusive industry that truly reflects the communities we serve.
Building a Resilient Supply Chain:
A Trusted Diverse Ecosystem
Facilitators Susan Schramm and Ana Maria Lowry explore the essential role of resilience in fostering a trusted, diverse ecosystem. Drawing insights from their book, The Maturity Stages of a Trusted, Diverse Ecosystem, they break down key strategies for reinforcing supply chains, addressing risks transparently, and cultivating strong, reliable partnerships. Their discussion highlights how intentional collaboration can drive sustainable success and help organizations navigate challenges with confidence.
Our Panelists
Each panel is made up of forward-thinking leaders committed to challenging traditional approaches to developing a resilient supply chain.
Freddie Streeter
Owner,
Veteran's Pre-Construction
Jimmy Morris Jr.
Owner,
Morris Builders, LLC
Kelvin Young
Owner,
Work Horse Temps, LLC
Nick Harper
Chief Preconstruction Manager,
Brasfield & Gorrie
Rebecca Goodwin
Community & Citizenship Program Senior Specialist,
Turner Construction
L'Tryce Slade
Owner,
SLADE
Ryan Veney
ACDBE/DBE/Title VI Administrator,
Birmingham Airport Authority
Susan Lammertin
Co-Owner, CEO/CFO,
Solid Platforms
Yomi Adeyemo
Community Engagement Manager,
Juneau Construction Company
The Panels
Each panel is made up of forward-thinking leaders committed to challenging traditional approaches to supplier diversity. Hear how innovative small, diverse business enterprises (DBEs) collaborate with primes (general contractors) and buyers (large corporations & government agencies) to drive faster, more meaningful outcomes.
Buyers Panel
The panel consisted of:
- Genae Raines-Wilkerson, City of Birmingham, Dept of Capital Project
- Ryan Veney, Birmingham Airport Authority
Primes Panel
The panel consisted of:
- Freddie Streeter, Veteran’s Pre-Construction
- Nick Harper, Brasfield & Gorrie
- Rebecca Goodwin, Turner Construction
- Yomi Adeyemo, Juneau Construction
DBE Panel
The panel consisted of:
- Jimmy Morris Jr., Morris Builders
- Kelvin Young, WorkHorse Temps
- L’Tryce Slade, Slade, LLC
- Susan Lammertin, Solid Platforms
Reflect
We asked each leader to consider where they were in the Maturity Stages of a Trusted Diverse Ecosystem. They discussed in their own roundtables what they struggled with, how they could progress and how we can create alignment within the industry.
Now, IT’S YOUR TURN! We encourage you to reflect on the key points of these videos and consider:
What is going to be your next step to create meaningful diversity outcomes? To transform, to make a change, requires action. Let us know what action you will take!
The Stages
1. Visible & Diverse
Your organization has set diversity targets and quotas, and holds regular outreach and networking events.
2. Equipped & Diverse
“Visible” PLUS our organization sponsors customized programs to help educate, prepare, and mentor diverse Candidates and Suppliers.
3. Aligned & Diverse
“Equipped” PLUS our leaders hold proactive discussions about what is needed in terms of skills and capabilities, and how to ensure success of diverse Candidates and Suppliers as they are onboarded and developed.
4. Trusted, Diverse Ecosystem
“Aligned” PLUS our organization has consistent values for both Supplier Diversity and Workforce Diversity efforts. A clear operating model, with repeatable processes, provides access to opportunities, and equips, aligns, and grows diverse Employees and Suppliers.
Our Event Sponsors
